School of Science, e University of Tokyo 東京大学理学部 2016 Your Spirit of Inquiry will pave the Way for Your Future Faculty of Science Bldg. 1 School of Science, e University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, JAPAN [email protected] e Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo is an integrated faculty for Things that can only be natural science that places an emphasis on fundamental research. It is a major advantage today where many multidisciplinary integrated Accomplished at the researches are conducted and, researches that integrate diff erent disciplines are being carried out actively in our faculty, which has What is Science? Faculty of Science, cultivated the bud of innovation. University of Tokyo What science demands is the ability to pose your own question and Science is a study that unravels the mysteries of the universe. come up with an answer empirically and logically. is ability is in It strives to create new knowledge by understanding nature. demand everywhere in society in this increasingly uncertain day and age. This begins by facing nature and asking a simple question that comes to mind:“Why?” e skills you acquire at science will serve as weapons that will get you This pamphlet will present some of the activities carried out by the School of Science through life, not only if you are an aspiring researcher, but also if you are pursuing a non-academic career. In fact, the career paths of our graduates at the University of Tokyo, which are aimed at cultivating skilled and are becoming more diverse each year. Your scientifi c ability to explore the knowledgeable members of society through exploring nature. essence of things, based on the questions you posed, is in demand in many diff erent fi elds. Graduate School of e aims of the Faculty of Science are to develop human resources and Faculty of Science to make contributions to society by shedding light on the universal truths Science concerning the natural world. We will continue to do everything in our 10 departments dedicated power to create a better society by creating and inheriting knowledge to studying science 5 departments dedicated to gain a deeper understanding of science through research and producing a large number of human resources through education. Mathematics Information Science Physics Astronomy Physics Earth and Planetary Physics Astronomy Earth and Planetary Earth and Planetary Science Environmental Science Chemistry Chemistry Biological Sciences Biophysics and Biochemistry Biological Sciences Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Content Dean of the School of Science, Explorers of the Field of Science P02 We’re Here to Help. University of Tokyo A Conversation with Graduates on the <Explanation of Administrative Departments> P13 Hiroo Fukuda Strength of Science in Society P06 History of the Faculty of Science: Graduated from the Department of Biological Graduate Pathways:An Explanation A Look Back at the Past 140 Years P14 Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo in 1977; Completed Doctoral Course, of Career Path Statistics P09 <Column> Nobel Prize in Physics won Department of Botany, Graduate School of by Teacher and Apprentice P15 Science, University of Tokyo in 1982; Our Graduates Around the World. Appointed Professor of Department of Endeavors of Graduates from the The Successors of the Field of Science Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo in 1997 after Faculty of Science P10 <Profiles of Deans of serving as Assistant, School of Science, Undergraduate Departments> P16 Osaka University; Professor, Faculty of Science, Tohoku University, and Professor of Botanical Gardens, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo, among other positions. Editing, interviews, and writing: Masatsugu Kayahara, Has also served as Dean of the School of Photography: Junichi Kaizuka <front and back covers>: Koji Okumura (Forward Stroke Inc.) Science since April 2014. Design: Mitsunobu Hosoyamada and Azusa Suzuki (Hosoyamada Design Office) Editorial supervision: Graduate School of Science and the Office of Communication, University of Tokyo 01 Understanding the continuation of life through molecules Conceptual diagram of the single-molecule measurement method that utilizes ZMW technology Explorers of the Field of Science Further developments in life science are A molecule is fi xed in a nanoscopic hole, and this not possible without new technology. is is molecule is combined with another fl uorescently- e “inheritance of knowledge and creativity” the pet theory of Sotaro Uemura, a professor stained molecule to create a chemical reaction. en a laser is shined on the molecules to visualize this is a major mission in the fi eld of science. of the Department of Biological Sciences. process. Professor Uemura's research group To achieve this, those involved in the fi eld “If every researcher in the world used the visualized the process in which protein is synthesized brainstorm ideas and encourage the world to take action. same technology, we would all get similar from amino acids by applying the ZMW technology. results. If we are to visualize unknown life In the process, a single ribosome molecule links In this section, two explorers who are devoted together with tRNAs. to their quest for new knowledge are profi led. phenomena, we must develop technology that has not existed before.” Professor Uemura is working on a through and blocks the light from the In science, the question “Why?” technology called single-molecule background. is makes it possible to see the leads the development measurement. Biological activity is sustained reaction of the molecule you wish to see, by the functions of molecules in bodies, and even if the concentration has approached the of new technology visualizing the behavior of molecules in concentration levels of molecules in cells. bodies is an important theme in life science. is technology has already been put to At the root of Professor Uemura’s desire In traditional molecular measurement practical use in next generation sequencers, to develop new technology is his exploration technology, molecules were measured which are used for interpreting DNA of the scientifi c question “Why?” concerning collectively. What showed up in the information (base sequence). A molecule natural phenomena. He wants to unlock the technology was the behavior of “average called DNA polymerase, which plays a major mechanism that allows life to exist by points” of molecular groups. However, role in DNA replication, is fi xed in the hole examining just a single molecule. is desire molecules of the same type do not on the chip. If you mix that with a base with came to fruition as the world’s fi rst necessarily behave in the same way all the a fl uorescent pigment of a diff erent color technology for visualizing the protein time in bodies. If we are to shed light on life attached to it, the DNA polymerase will cause synthesis process. Exploring the Mysteries of phenomena, there is a need to visualize the the DNA replication to begin. At this time, Before arriving in the Faculty of Science, 01 activity of each individual molecule. at’s the color of the light emitted by the base is University of Tokyo, Professor Uemura held Life by examining the what the single-molecule measurement measured, and information on the base posts at several research institutions in Japan technology is for. sequence can be interpreted. as well as overseas. During that time, he Behavior of Molecules is technology cannot be discussed worked under numerous researchers and “Single-Molecule without an explanation of fl uorescence From measurements to application: spent time with students who were his imaging. If you attach a fl uorescent pigment the possibilities pupils. Based on that experience, he relates Measurement,” the Forefront to the molecule you want to measure and that technology offers to his students based on one clear policy. shine a light of a specifi c wavelength on a “ is might sound like a cliché, but I of Life Science solution sample containing the molecule and Professor Uemura’s research group aims value the independence of my students. the fl uorescent pigment, the pigment will to measure the behavior of a variety of Even if I teach my students passionately, it What allows life to exist is the functions react and emit light. is light is measured molecules by putting the ZMW technology does no good if the students are of molecules in bodies. to visualize molecules. into practice. In 2010, they were the fi rst in unmotivated. I respect the opinions of my Visualizing the behavior of each If we apply this technology to single- the world to measure the process in which students, and allow them to try anything individual molecule molecule measurement, what results is the protein is synthesized. To do this they fi xed a they tell me they want to do. I won’t instruct e new set of eyes which humans now single-molecule fl uorescence imaging single ribosome molecule in the bottom of a them every step of the way; instead, I try to have has fi rmly captured a fragment of the method. e main method for this technology hole. allow them to think on their own and soak in continuation of life in the world of is called total internal refl ection fl uorescence Proteins are molecules consisting of one the experience. nanoscale molecules. microscopy (total refl ection method), and its or more long chains of amino acids. e His answer to students who ask him for fl aws had been pointed out in the past. e ribosome, which serves as the site of advice about their career path is always the solution samples contain many molecules, biological protein synthesis, produces same. Choose a path that will expand your and the technology is designed to measure proteins by linking amino acids based on potential as much as possible.